Derive 1-dimensional motion from average acceleration (no calculus)

In summary, the equation for one-dimensional motion that relates displacement to acceleration can be algebraically derived as x = x0 + v0 t + 1/2 a t2, assuming constant acceleration. This can also be represented graphically as a velocity vs. time graph, where the area under the curve represents the distance traveled.
  • #1
Gaebril
3
0
Starting with the expressions for average acceleration (Change in Velocity over Change in time), average velocity at constant acceleration; algebraically (NO CALCULUS) derive the equation for one-dimensional motion that relates displacement to the acceleration, assuming acceleration is constant.
 
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  • #2
Sketch a graph of velocity vs. time and calculate the area under the graph.

s=vt

You can start v0 at any point and vf too.
 
  • #3
It can be derived based on the fact that with constant acceleration, for any time period, the average velocity during that time period is 1/2 the sum of the initial and final velocity.

v0 = initial velocity
v1 = final velocity
v1 = v0 + at

average velocity = 1/2 (v0 + v1) = 1/2 (v0 + (v0 + at) = v0 + 1/2 a t

distance = initial position + average velocity x time

x = x0 + (v0 + 1/2 a t) t = x0 + v0 t + 1/2 a t2
 

Related to Derive 1-dimensional motion from average acceleration (no calculus)

1. What is average acceleration?

Average acceleration is the change in velocity over time. It is a measure of how quickly an object's velocity is changing.

2. How is average acceleration calculated?

Average acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for average acceleration is a = (vf - vi) / t, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

3. What is 1-dimensional motion?

1-dimensional motion refers to the movement of an object along a straight line. It can be described using only one coordinate, such as position or displacement, and is often represented on a graph with a single axis.

4. How can average acceleration be derived without calculus?

Average acceleration can be derived without calculus by using the formula a = (vf - vi) / t and plugging in the initial and final velocities as well as the time interval. This method is also known as the slope formula, where the slope of a line on a position-time graph represents the average acceleration.

5. What are the units for average acceleration?

The units for average acceleration are typically meters per second squared (m/s²) in the SI system or feet per second squared (ft/s²) in the US customary system. This represents the change in velocity (m/s or ft/s) over the change in time (s).

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